are free of charge with no obligation to buy. Our products are entirely handmade in the UK from start to finish. We aim to always provide top quality items for all our customers to a level which always makes our items stand out. What are some stand-out moments since the company launch? A particularly special stand out moment for Stockwell Ceramics was when we were asked to make buttons for the V&A shop to go with their Surrealist Exhibition in 2007. We have supplied them with many bespoke products over the years both jewellery and buttons to run beside their exhibitions but our buttons have remained a constant offering in their beautiful museum shop. Three invitations, all expenses paid, to demonstrate our craft in major department stores in Japan is definitely a very memorable stand out moment. Finding out how retail works in another country is revealing and thought provoking. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? There is no denying that the current climate in the UK is a difficult one but during such difficult times the buttons always come to the fore. Customers often feel that although what is on offer in a gallery is beautiful and worthwhile, they simply can’t afford it in the current climate but a few buttons can be bought on the way out as a small keepsake or affordable gift, so difficult times are always good for us. We supply outlets worldwide and although the new American tariffs have decreased our sales to the USA we have seen major increases in sales to Japan, China and Australia. How do you view the future of independent retail? There is always a place for independent retail as people want to touch the products and see the quality for themselves. However the online presence is connecting suppliers and retailers across the world and seems to be a constantly growing area. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? We are active on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. We find these invaluable marketing tools. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Pursue your talents and seek out funding. Try to attend gift trade shows if you are able to and make all possible use of social media. What can we expect in the future from the company? We expect to be creating a lot more bespoke products in the future. We enjoy the level of creativity and problem solving that is involved and we would like to take it to ever higher levels. STOCKWELL CERAMICS T: +44 (0)7799 580 887 www.stockwellceramics.co.uk 62
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